My Husband's Mistress Became My Landlord
They said it was last minute, but I had already anticipated it.
The senior colleagues in the department either had family matters or made excuses to decline.
In the end, this task naturally fell to me.
I didn't complain much and packed my bags before setting off.
To get to City S, I had to take the high-speed rail—a journey of over three hours.
I found my seat and sat down; just as I took out my laptop, a girl sat beside me.
She looked very young, with a hint of innocence on her face.
She greeted me first, her voice sweet.
"Hello, are you going to City S too?"
I nodded and replied politely.
On the way, we really hit it off and had a great conversation.
Her name was Ella Sullivan, and she said she was going to City S to visit a friend.
We talked about everything—from hobbies to work and life—with nothing left unsaid.
I even thought that meeting someone so easy to talk to during this business trip was a stroke of luck.
The high-speed rail soon arrived in City S.
We said our goodbyes and then went our separate ways.
I first went to the temporary office the company had arranged to check in.
After checking in, the most important thing was to find a place to stay.
The business trip was quite long—lasting a month—so staying in a hotel wasn't cost-effective.
I browsed the rental app for a long time and finally found a suitable single room.
The price was very cheap, only 800 dollars a month.
I immediately contacted the landlord and arranged to see the place that afternoon.
The viewing spot wasn't far from the office, so I took the subway there.
When I arrived at the community gate, the landlord was already waiting for me.
I walked over, and when I clearly saw the landlord's face, I was completely stunned.
The landlord was actually Ella Sullivan, the girl I had a pleasant conversation with on the high-speed rail.
Ella recognized me too, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Sylvia, is that you?"
I forced a smile, feeling something indescribable deep inside.
The world is so big, yet it's such a coincidence to meet like this.
Ella Sullivan took me to see the room.
The room wasn't large, but it was neatly arranged and had good natural light.
I was very satisfied and decided to rent it on the spot.
While signing the contract, Ella Sullivan's phone rang.
She answered, her tone suddenly softening noticeably.
"Are you almost here? I'm signing the lease with the tenant now—almost done."
After hanging up, she smiled and said to me, "That was my boyfriend; he's bringing me something."
I nodded without saying anything more.
After signing the contract, I was about to pack up when there was a knock at the door.
Ella ran over to open it, murmuring, "It must be him."
The door opened, and a familiar figure appeared in the doorway.
I saw his face, and my mind instantly went blank.
It was Zachary Quentin, my husband.
Zachary clearly hadn't expected to see me here; the smile on his face froze.
The air seemed to still in that moment.
Ella linked her arm with Zachary's, leaning on him closely.
"Zachary, let me introduce you—this is my tenant, Sylvia George. We met on the high-speed rail."
Ella then turned to me proudly and said, "Sylvia, this is my boyfriend, Zachary Quentin. He's really wonderful."
I looked at Zachary, my lips moving, but no words came out.
Zachary's eyes darted away, avoiding my gaze.
Ella seemed unaware of the tension between us and kept talking without pause.
"Sylvia, you have no idea how much Zachary cares about me. He just bought me a luxury apartment not long ago, right in the city center—the decoration is absolutely stunning."
She spoke while proudly looking at me, her tone thick with bragging.
"Unlike some people, who might never live in such a wonderful place in their entire lives."
Hearing her words, my heart felt like it was being pierced by needles.
I instinctively glanced at Zachary Quentin's hand.
On his finger was a diamond ring, a modern design, completely different from the one on my hand.
The diamond ring on my hand was the one we bought when we got married.
Back then, he said he would treat me well for life and give me a happy home.
Now it seems those words were nothing but lies.
Zachary Quentin seemed to notice my gaze and quickly shoved his hands into his pockets.
Ella Sullivan was still beside me, talking about their sweet everyday moments—how patient and considerate Zachary was with her.
"Last time, I accidentally broke his favorite watch, and he didn't get angry. Instead, he comforted me, saying it was okay and that we could just buy another one."
"And another time, when we argued and I said many harsh things, he patiently soothed me until I calmed down."
As I listened to those words, my heart sank deeper and deeper into an abyss.
That tenderness and understanding—he had never given them to me.
After all these years of marriage, he was always cold toward me, rarely showing any care.
Even when I was ill, he just told me to see a doctor on my own.
It wasn't that he couldn't be gentle; it was that this gentleness wasn't meant for me.
Ella Sullivan grew increasingly excited as she spoke, even grabbing Zachary Quentin's hand and kissing his cheek.
Zachary Quentin didn't push her away; instead, he showed a doting smile.
I couldn't watch any longer and turned to leave.
Just then, my phone buzzed—it was a message.
The sender was Zachary Quentin.
I opened it, and the words sent chills down my spine.
"Sylvia George, don't go too far. Ella Sullivan is innocent, and you must not hurt her. Also, you'd better not tell my mother and father about her—otherwise, face the consequences."
I gripped my phone so tightly my fingers went white.
He actually threatened me—for another woman.
I took a deep breath, holding back the anger and hurt.
I didn't want to stay in that place for another second.
I returned to the company's temporary office and quickly packed my bags.
Then I opened my phone and booked a ticket to Country B.
I decided to leave this place that had broken my heart and start a new life.
As for Zachary Quentin and Ella Sullivan, I no longer want to concern myself with their affairs.
The next day, I had originally planned to leave City S directly.
But I remembered that the rented apartment hadn't been cancelled yet, and the deposit was still with Ella Sullivan.
So I decided to go and cancel the lease first and get my deposit back.
I sent a message to Ella, saying I wanted to terminate the lease.
Ella replied quickly, saying she was at the new apartment and asked me to come find her.
I found the luxury apartment using the address she had given me.
The apartment was truly luxurious—spacious and bright, with all high-end furniture.
I knocked on the door, and Ella Sullivan answered.
When she saw me, a smug smile spread across her face.
"Sylvia, you're here."
I nodded and followed her inside the apartment.
The moment I stepped into the living room, I saw Zachary Quentin sitting on the sofa.
When he saw me, his expression immediately darkened.
Ella tugged me along, proudly showing off everything in the apartment.
"Sylvia, look at this living room—it's huge, isn't it? And this balcony offers a view of the city center."
"This bedroom is my favorite; I chose the decoration style, and Zachary always listens to me."
"By the way, Sylvia, did you know? Zachary secretly bought this apartment for me while I was on my last business trip. It was a big surprise."
As she spoke, she looked at Zachary, her eyes full of love.
Zachary smiled along and reached out to stroke her head.
Watching them so close, my heart felt like it was being cut with a knife.
I fought back tears and said, "Ella, I want to return the house. Please refund my deposit."
Ella paused for a moment, then said, "Sylvia, why are you moving out so soon? Is something wrong?"
She hesitated, then added, "Could it be that seeing me with Zachary made you uncomfortable?"
"Sylvia, don't overthink it. Zachary and I truly love each other."
Hearing her words, I couldn't hold back any longer.
"Ella, don't go too far. You know full well Zachary is my husband, yet you're still with him. How dare you say such things?"
Ella's expression changed, and she looked at Zachary with grievance.
"Zachary, look at how Sylvia is talking about me—I had no idea you were married."
Zachary immediately stood up, blocking Ella's way, glaring at me with fury.
"Sylvia George, have you had enough? Ella doesn't know we're married. Don't make things difficult for her."
"Me, making things difficult for her?" I sneered, "Zachary, be honest with yourself—who's really causing trouble for whom?"
"After all these years of marriage, don't you know how I've treated you? Is this how you repay me?"
"What have I done to you?" Zachary Quentin frowned.
"I'm so busy with work, under so much pressure; can't you try to understand me? Instead, you're just making trouble."
"Making trouble?" I could hardly believe my ears.
"I saw my husband with another woman, and he even bought her a luxury apartment. Am I not allowed to say anything?"
"And you said you were busy with work and had no time for me, but it turns out you were with another woman!"
Zachary was left speechless, his face turning pale then flushed.
After a moment, he spoke again, "Sylvia George, don't make a fuss here."
"So, now that you see me with Ella, are you jealous?"
Hearing his words, my whole body trembled with anger.
"Zachary Quentin, you bastard!"
I couldn't help but rush at him, wanting to argue.
Zachary pushed me aside, and I lost my balance, nearly falling.
Just then, Ella walked over carrying a cup of juice.
She looked at me, her eyes full of hostility.
"Sylvia, don't go too far. If you keep this up, I won't be polite to you anymore."
Before I could react, Ella splashed the juice in her hand onto me.
The juice spilled all over me; it was sticky and uncomfortable.
I looked at Ella Sullivan, then at Zachary Quentin.
Zachary just furrowed his brow, not blaming Ella; instead, he said to her, "Ella, don't stoop to her level. Let's just ignore her."
I was completely heartbroken.
I wiped the juice off my face and turned to leave.
Zachary chased after me and blocked me in the hallway.
"Sylvia George, what exactly do you want?"
"What do I want?" I looked at him and said, "Zachary Quentin, let's get a divorce."
After saying that, I walked past him without looking back.
I had thought that after I asked for a divorce, Zachary would agree.
But unexpectedly, he used my mother to threaten me.
That day, I was packing my bags, getting ready to leave for the airport.
Suddenly, Zachary called me.
"Sylvia George, if you dare to leave, I'll tell your mom that you're involved with someone else and break her heart."
Hearing his words, my whole body trembled with anger.
My mother is in poor health and has always been worried about me.
He actually used my mother to threaten me.
"Zachary, you're despicable!"
"Despicable?" Zachary sneered coldly.
"As long as you behave and come with me to next week's family gathering, I won't tell your mother. Otherwise, you'll have to face the consequences yourself."
I knew Zachary always meant what he said.
I couldn't let my mother be upset.
Helpless, I had no choice but to agree.
On the day of the family gathering, I braced myself and went.
Zachary's family was all there; when they saw me, their smiles were all fake.
Zachary's mother held my hand and asked after my well-being with feigned warmth.
"Sylvia, how have you been lately? Has Zachary been making you angry again? Don't take him too seriously."
I forced a smile but said nothing.
I knew deep down they didn't genuinely care about me.
They only wanted to keep up the illusion of a harmonious family.
Halfway through the gathering, I excused myself to the bathroom, hoping to get some fresh air.
As I reached the corridor, I saw my mother standing there.
My mother had been invited by Zachary's mother.
When she saw me, concern showed on her face.
"Sylvia, did you and Zachary have a fight? You don't look well."
I couldn't hold back any longer; I threw myself into my mother's arms and began to cry.
"Mom, Zachary cheated on me. He's with another woman and even bought a luxury apartment."
My mother heard me and embraced me tenderly.
"Sylvia, you've been wronged. If he doesn't love you anymore, then let's get a divorce. I support you."
With my mother's support, my resolve to divorce grew even stronger.
We returned to the living room and had barely sat down when Zachary's phone rang.
He answered, and his tone instantly tightened.
"Ella, what's wrong? What happened?"
"Don't worry, I'll be there right away."
After hanging up, Zachary Quentin told everyone, "Ella has some issues, I'm going to check on her," and hurried off.
Zachary Quentin's family watched him leave, their faces somewhat awkward.
I looked at them, feeling quite amused inside.
This family had long since fallen apart.
I took my mother's hand and said, "Mom, let's go."
My mother nodded and left with me.
Stepping out through the Quentin family gate, I took a deep breath.
The sunlight fell warmly on me.
I know that from this moment on, my life will begin anew.
After leaving the Quentin Family, I went straight to the airport with my mother.
The plane ticket I had booked earlier to Country B was still valid.
At the airport, after picking up our boarding passes, we waited in the departure lounge.
While waiting, my phone suddenly buzzed—it was a video message.
The sender was Ella Sullivan.
I frowned and opened the video.
In it, Ella was nestled in Zachary Quentin's arms, standing in front of a baby crib.
Ella smiled smugly at the camera.
"Sylvia, look—this is the nursery Zachary and I have. Zachary said that once we have a baby, we'll live here."
"By the way, Sylvia, you and Zachary have been married for so many years and still don't have children, right? It seems Zachary prefers me a little more."
In the video, Zachary didn't say a word; he just held Ella with a gentle smile on his face.
Watching the video, it felt like my heart had been struck hard.
Zachary and I have been married for so many years; it's not that I never wanted children.
But Zachary always said he was busy with work, had no time, and told me to wait a little longer.
It turns out, it wasn't that he didn't have time; he just didn't want to have children with me.
I held back my tears and turned off the video.
My mother saw how I looked and comforted me tenderly.
"Sylvia, don't pay her any mind; she's just trying to upset you on purpose. That kind of man isn't worth your sadness."
I nodded and wiped away my tears.
"Mom, I'm okay. I won't be sad over him anymore."
Before long, it was time to board the plane.
My mother and I boarded the plane.
After the plane took off, I gazed out at the sky.
The clouds floated below like cotton candy.
I knew I was heading somewhere new, to start a new life.
We arrived in Country B and first found a hotel to stay in.
Then, I began looking for a job.
I worked in design back home and had several years of experience.
Fortunately, it didn't take long before I found a good design job.
Everyone at the company was very friendly, and the managers took good care of me.
My mother and I rented a small apartment; though it wasn't large, it was cozy.
I went to and from work on time every day, and after work, I would take walks and cook with my mother.
Life was peaceful and fulfilling.
I gradually forgot the painful memories from back home.
But sometimes, when I saw happy couples with their children, I still thought of Zachary Quentin.
But I quickly told myself that those things were already in the past.
My life now is good, and I need to cherish the happiness I have before me.
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